NeuroNova Centre for Mindful Solutions

  • NeuroNova Centre for Mindful Solutions in Ontario, Canada

Welcome

Mindfulness-Based Chronic Pain Management (MBCPMTM) is a programme developed by Dr. Jackie Gardner-Nix, a physician and University of Toronto associate professor, who has worked as a chronic pain consultant for many years at University of Toronto pain clinics, including at St Michael’s Hospital, Toronto, Canada.  It is based on the Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Program (MBSR) originated by Jon Kabat-Zinn in the USA several decades ago, and has been developed into a trauma-sensitive programme that is more customized to the needs of those dealing with chronic pain. It is just as effective for stress management. Since 2002, over 12,000 people have participated in the MBCPMTM courses to better manage their chronic pain conditions.  Courses have extended across Ontario, often via the use of telemedicine. Classes are conducted in meeting rooms at various hospitals/health facilities/corporations, in a welcoming and relaxed atmosphere.

Attendees learn the principles of mindfulness, and how the practice can reduce suffering and improve healing. Mindfulness can assist in many aspects of life, such as remaining calmer and more pain-controlled when interacting with family, friends, colleagues, employers and insurers, and when facing challenges, often reducing suffering, emotionally and physically. Life skills and self-care are also enhanced in this course.

NNC acts as a training, mentoring and accrediting company for facilitators wishing to take the programme back to their own communities, increasing its accessibility within health care and corporate environments as it spreads throughout Ontario and beyond.  Professional trainings are now run in conjunction with the University of Toronto’s School of Continuing Studies. A Stress Course with a parallel trauma-informed/sensitive curriculum, and Alumni courses with workbooks have been developed to add to the basic (level 1) MBCPMTM course: MBCPMTM Revision (Level 2); Emotional Skills; and Lumina Spark. Facilitators professionally trained in delivering the basic course can also teach the stress course version, the revision course, and can apply to be trained in the Emotional Skills course. NNC produces the course curriculum for the professional trainings, course materials for client courses, and acts as an information and consulting hub.

For patients/clients, this website helps you to find courses you can attend.  If you are interested in taking a course, please read About the Class, and check for course locations under our courses tab. For more information please click here.

Meet the Team

  • Debbie, Social Media Coordinator

    Debbie is currently managing Social Media for NNC and assists with other Team NNC functions where needed. She has co-facilitated some MBCPM courses since taking the MBCPM™ Facilitator Training and Practicum in 2014 and 2015.  Originally employed with Durham Region Social Services for twenty-five years,  she came to the NNC professional training with a Certification as a Read more

  • Kendra, Communications and Materials Coordinator

    Provides website and dispatch support, legal communications and filing documentation. She assists with materials ordering, assembly and administration at trainings. She has been with NNC for more than 10 years. Read more

  • Andrea, NNC Coordinator

    Trained in Interior design and teaching in schools, she manages NNC’s day-to-day emails, phone and faxes, and assists at professional trainings. She provides design for materials and flyers. Read more

  • Sara, Social Media Coordinator

    Now a trained osteopath, she has worked in various roles with NNC since 2009. Assists with marketing with social media posting, and provides support at NNC trainings, workshops and presentations. Read more

  • Dr. Jackie Gardner-Nix, Founder & Medical Director

    Dr. Gardner-Nix is a Chronic Pain Consulting Physician, Department of Anaesthesia, Pain Clinic, St Michael’s Hospital, and an Associate Professor in the Department of Anaesthesia, University of Toronto. She is also on staff at Northumberland Hills Hospital, Cobourg. She trained in the renowned Jon Kabat-Zinn’s Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) program in the USA in 2001. Read more

  • Jackie I., Book keeper

    Jackie provides book keeping and liaises with team, purchasers and accounting. Read more

  • Margie

    Provides support to the entire NNC Team. Read more

  • Scott

    Provides volunteer support at on-site and off-site professional trainings, workshops and presentations. Read more

  • Joan, Evaluations and Assessment Coordinator

    Coordinates end-of-course patient evaluations for all facilitators, to ensure quality control. She assists with materials assembly and administration at trainings. Read more